A new report warns that the 2026 World Cup in North America faces significant threats from heat stress and extreme weather due to climate change. Ten of the sixteen venues are at high risk of extreme heat, and by 2050, most stadiums will need adaptation measures. The report also examines risks for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups and the impact on grassroots pitches. Recommendations include committing to net-zero emissions, creating adaptation funds, and considering moving competitions to cooler months or regions.
The upcoming 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across North America, is facing a significant challenge from the escalating climate crisis. A new report, titled 'Pitches in Peril,' has revealed that extreme weather conditions, particularly heat stress, pose a serious threat to the tournament's successful execution. The study indicates that without immediate and substantial climate adaptation measures, this could be the last World Cup held in North America under current conditions.
The report assessed all 16 venues slated to host matches and discovered that a staggering 10 are at very high risk of experiencing extreme heat stress. This alarming finding underscores the urgent need for proactive strategies to mitigate the potential impact on players, fans, and the overall event. Looking ahead to 2050, the situation is projected to worsen, with nearly 90% of North American host stadiums requiring adaptation to extreme heat. Furthermore, one-third of these venues will grapple with water demand that equals or surpasses the available supply, adding another layer of complexity to the challenge.
The 'Pitches in Peril' report also extended its analysis to the 2030 and 2034 World Cup venues, which are slated to be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal in 2030, and Saudi Arabia in 2034, respectively. The findings shed light on the broader global implications of climate change for the future of football. Beyond the elite level, the report also examined the impact of a warming climate on grassroots pitches, focusing on locations that were once formative grounds for 18 famous players. This poignant aspect highlights the potential loss of opportunities for future generations of footballers due to climate-related challenges.
Juan Mata, a 2010 World Cup winner from Spain, emphasized the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, stating, "As someone from Spain, I can’t ignore the climate crisis. Football has always brought people together, but now it’s also a reminder of what we stand to lose." His words resonate with the growing recognition of the interconnectedness between climate action and the preservation of the sport.
This year's Club World Cup in the US served as a stark warning, offering a glimpse into the potential challenges that the 2026 World Cup could face. Players described the conditions as "impossible" due to extreme heat and thunderstorms. FIFA was compelled to implement cooling and water breaks, shaded benches, and air fans to safeguard the well-being of participants. The tournament underscored the need for comprehensive adaptation strategies to ensure player safety and maintain the integrity of the competition.
The report highlights that 14 of the 16 World Cup stadiums across the US, Canada, and Mexico already exceeded safety thresholds in 2025 for at least three major climate hazards: extreme heat, unplayable rainfall, and flooding. Thirteen of these stadiums experience at least one day each summer exceeding FIFA's threshold for drinks breaks of 32°C (90F) Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WGBT), a recognized index for measuring human heat stress in direct sunlight. Cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, and Monterrey experienced temperatures exceeding this mark for two months or more, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Furthermore, ten of the venues experience at least one day each summer with a WBGT of 35°C (95F), a level identified by climate scientists as the limit of human adaptability to extreme heat. Dallas (31 days) and Houston (51 days) were particularly affected. While stadiums in Dallas and Houston will have roofs to mitigate heat, the report underscores that climate risks extend far beyond elite venues.
The report also notes that forward Mo Salah’s Egyptian home ground could face more than a month of unplayable heat annually, while Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong’s childhood pitch could see 338 days of extreme heat by 2050. These findings underscore the far-reaching implications of climate change for football at all levels.
Piers Forster, director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures in Leeds, emphasized the need for drastic measures, stating, "As we move further into the decade, risks will continue growing unless we take drastic measures, such as moving competitions to winter months or cooler regions." This highlights the potential need for innovative scheduling and venue selection strategies to adapt to the changing climate.
The 96-page report offers a comprehensive set of recommendations, urging the soccer industry to commit to net-zero emissions by 2040 and publish credible decarbonisation plans. It also calls on tournament organisers to create adaptation funds to support vulnerable communities and infrastructure. Moreover, the report highlights that 91% of 3,600 fans polled across the three host countries want the 2026 World Cup to be a sustainability role model, demonstrating the strong public demand for environmentally responsible events.